U.S. patent application number 17/536574 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for reduced form factor oral irrigator.
The applicant listed for this patent is WATER PIK, INC.. Invention is credited to Oscar Senff, Robert Wagner.
Application Number | 20220079728 17/536574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005997055 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220079728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Senff; Oscar ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
REDUCED FORM FACTOR ORAL IRRIGATOR
Abstract
An oral irrigator has a base unit housing a motor and a pump, a
removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity configured to
mechanically couple to a top surface of the base unit and fluidly
couple the reservoir cavity to the pump, and a belt drive assembly
connecting the motor to the pump. The belt drive assembly includes
a drive pulley connected to an output shaft of the motor, a driven
pulley spaced apart from the drive pulley and mechanically
connected to a piston that drives the pump, and a continuous belt
connecting the drive pulley to the driven pulley. A handle for the
oral irrigator may include a housing defining a slot formed in an
outer wall of the housing.
Inventors: |
Senff; Oscar; (Broomfield,
CO) ; Wagner; Robert; (Firestone, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WATER PIK, INC. |
Fort Collins |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005997055 |
Appl. No.: |
17/536574 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15415750 |
Jan 25, 2017 |
11213376 |
|
|
17536574 |
|
|
|
|
62286925 |
Jan 25, 2016 |
|
|
|
62416926 |
Nov 3, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2039/242 20130101;
A61H 2201/1246 20130101; A61C 17/0202 20130101; A61C 17/024
20190501; A61C 1/0092 20130101; A61M 39/26 20130101; A61M 2205/0272
20130101; A61H 13/005 20130101; A61M 3/0258 20130101; A61C 17/225
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 17/02 20060101
A61C017/02; A61C 17/024 20060101 A61C017/024; A61C 1/00 20060101
A61C001/00; A61H 13/00 20060101 A61H013/00; A61M 3/02 20060101
A61M003/02; A61M 39/26 20060101 A61M039/26 |
Claims
1. A handle for an oral irrigator for directing a focused stream of
fluid, the handle comprising: a housing defining a slot formed in
an outer wall of the housing and bounded by two opposing walls
spaced apart from each other and a transverse wall at a terminal
interior end of the opposing walls such that the outer wall of the
housing is open to the slot at lateral sides of the two opposing
walls and at a base end of the opposing walls opposite the
transverse wall.
2. The handle of claim 1, wherein the two opposing walls are
planar.
3. The handle of claim 1, wherein the two opposing walls are
parallel.
4. The handle of claim 3, wherein the two opposing walls are
planar.
5. The handle of claim 1, wherein the handle extends from a first
end to a second end in a generally elongate form along a
longitudinal axis and the opposing walls defining the slot extend
at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
6. The handle of claim 1, wherein the slot is positioned adjacent
to a center of mass of the handle.
7. The handle of claim 1, wherein the slot is positioned such that
a length of the slot is centered between a length of the handle
from a base end to a top end where a fluid tip attaches to the
handle.
8. An oral irrigator comprising: a base unit housing a motor and a
pump; a removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity configured
to mechanically couple to a top surface of the base unit and
fluidly couple the reservoir cavity to the pump; and a belt drive
assembly connecting the motor to the pump, wherein the belt drive
assembly further comprises: a drive pulley connected to an output
shaft of the motor; a driven pulley spaced apart from the drive
pulley and mechanically connected to a piston that drives the pump;
and a continuous belt connecting the drive pulley to the driven
pulley.
9. The oral irrigator of claim 8, further comprising a tensioning
structure that exerts a tension force on the belt.
10. The oral irrigator of claim 9, wherein the tensioning structure
further comprises: an idler pulley positioned between and pivotably
mounted with respect to the drive pulley and the driven pulley and
positioned in contact with the belt; and a tension member connected
to the idler pulley and configured to pull the idler pulley about a
pivot to maintain a contact force with the belt.
11. The oral irrigator of claim 10, further comprising a chassis to
which each of the motor, the driven pulley, and the idler pulley
are attached.
12. The oral irrigator of claim 11, further comprising a bracket
pivotably attached to the chassis, wherein: the idler pulley is
rotationally attached to the bracket; and the tension member is
connected to the bracket at a first end and is connected to the
chassis at a second end.
13. The oral irrigator of claim 12, wherein: the tension member is
a torsion spring; the bracket is L-shaped, the idler pulley is
attached to a first terminal end of the L-shaped bracket, and a
first end of the torsion spring is attached to a second terminal
end of the L-shaped bracket; and a center axis of the torsion
spring is aligned with a pivot point of the L-shaped bracket.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/415,750, filed on Jan. 25,
2017, entitled "Reduced Form Factor Oral Irrigator," which claims
priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/286,925 filed on 25
Jan. 2016 entitled "Reduced Form Factor Oral Irrigator," and U.S.
provisional application No. 62/416,926 filed on 3 Nov. 2016
entitled "Reduced Form Factor Oral Irrigator," each of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0002] This application is related to U.S. provisional application
No. 62/286,792 (Attorney Docket No. P258358.US.01) filed on 25 Jan.
2016 entitled "Swivel Assembly for Oral Irrigator Handle," which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to health and
personal hygiene equipment and more particularly, to oral
irrigators.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Oral irrigators typically are used to clean a user's teeth
and gums by discharging a pressurized fluid stream into a user's
oral cavity. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to remove debris.
Countertop oral irrigator units include a large reservoir that
connects to a base unit housing the pump and other internal
components. These units are typically too large to be easily
portable and therefore many users do not travel with countertop
units. Handheld oral irrigator units are smaller than most
countertop units and may include a handle housing internal
components, such as a pump, motor, etc., and a reservoir integrated
with the handle or connected to the handle. While handheld
irrigator units are typically smaller than countertop units and
more easily portable, because the reservoir is connected to the
handle, it often is smaller than countertop unit reservoirs and
thus may not provide as much fluid for irrigating as desired by a
user.
[0005] The information included in this Background section of the
specification, including any references cited herein and any
description or discussion thereof, is included for technical
reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by
which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be
bound.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one implementation, an oral irrigator may be composed of
a removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity, a base unit
housing a motor and a pump, and a handle for directing fluid flow
from the pump removably connected to the base unit and fluidly
coupled to the pump by a hose. The handle may further include a
housing defining a slot formed in an outer wall of the housing. The
slot may be bounded by two opposing walls spaced apart from each
other and a transverse wall at a terminal interior end of the
opposing walls such that the outer wall of the housing is open to
the slot at lateral sides of the two opposing walls and at a base
end of the opposing walls opposite the transverse wall. In a first
configuration the reservoir is coupled to a top surface of the base
unit and the reservoir cavity is fluidly coupled to the pump. In a
second configuration, the base unit is fluidly decoupled from the
reservoir cavity and the base unit is positioned within the
reservoir cavity.
[0007] In another implementation, a handle for an oral irrigator
for directing a focused stream of fluid has a housing defining a
slot formed in an outer wall of the housing. The slot may be
bounded by two opposing walls spaced apart from each other and a
transverse wall at a terminal interior end of the opposing walls
such that the outer wall of the housing is open to the slot at
lateral sides of the two opposing walls and at a base end of the
opposing walls opposite the transverse wall. In some
implementations, the opposing walls are parallel to each other. In
other implementations, the two opposing walls are planar. In some
implementations, the opposing walls are both planar and parallel to
each other. In further implementations, the handle may extend from
a first end to a second end in a generally elongate form along a
longitudinal axis and the opposing walls defining the slot extend
at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
[0008] In another implementation, an oral irrigator may include a
removable reservoir defining a reservoir cavity, a base unit
housing a motor and a pump, and a power assembly in selective
communication with the motor. In a first configuration the
reservoir is coupled to a top surface of the base unit, the
reservoir cavity is fluidly coupled to the pump, and the power
assembly is electrically connected to the motor. In a second
configuration, the base unit is fluidly decoupled from the
reservoir cavity, the base unit is positioned within the reservoir
cavity, and the power assembly is electrically disconnected from
the motor and is received within a cavity defined in the base unit.
In further implementations, the base unit may include a base
magnetic material. The power assembly may similarly include a
retaining magnetic material. The base magnetic material and the
retaining magnetic material may be aligned opposite to each other
when the oral irrigator is in the second configuration and attract
each other to thereby secure the power assembly within the base
unit.
[0009] In a further implementation, an oral irrigator may include a
base unit, a removable reservoir, and a belt drive assembly. The
base unit may house a motor and a pump. The removable reservoir may
define a reservoir cavity configured to mechanically couple to a
top surface of the base unit and fluidly couple the reservoir
cavity to the pump. The belt drive assembly may connect the motor
to the pump. The belt drive assembly may further include a drive
pulley connected to an output shaft of the motor, a driven pulley
spaced apart from the drive pulley and mechanically connected to a
piston that drives the pump, and a continuous belt connecting the
drive pulley to the driven pulley. In a further implementation, a
tensioning structure may exert a tension force on the belt. In yet
a further implementation, the tensioning structure may include an
idler pulley and a tension member. The idler pulley may be
positioned between and pivotably mounted with respect to the drive
pulley and the driven pulley and positioned in contact with the
belt. The tension member connected to the idler pulley and
configured to pull the idler pulley about a pivot to maintain a
contact force with the belt. In a further implementation, the base
unit may include a chassis to which each of the motor, the driven
pulley, and the idler pulley are attached. A bracket may be
pivotably attached to the chassis. The idler pulley may be
rotationally attached to the bracket. The tension member may be
connected to the bracket at a first end and connected to the
chassis at a second end. IN an additional implementation, the
tension member is a torsion spring, the bracket is L-shaped, the
idler pulley is attached to a first terminal end of the L-shaped
bracket, and a first end of the torsion spring is attached to a
second terminal end of the L-shaped bracket. A center axis of the
torsion spring may be aligned with a pivot point of the L-shaped
bracket.
[0010] In another implementation, an oral irrigator may include a
base unit and a removable reservoir. The a base unit may be encased
by a housing covering a motor and drive system positioned in a
first, dry compartment formed in the base unit housing and a pump
positioned in a second, wet compartment formed in the base unit
housing. The removable reservoir may define a reservoir cavity
configured to mechanically couple to a top surface of the base unit
and fluidly couple the reservoir cavity to the pump. A piston may
be connected at a first end to the drive system and connected at a
second end to the pump. A diaphragm seal may be positioned between
the dry compartment and the wet compartment through which the
piston passes. The diaphragm seal may further include a frame, two
elastomeric bead seals, and an elastomeric bellows. The frame may
be made of a rigid material, define a center aperture, and have a
dry face oriented toward the dry compartment and a wet face
oriented toward the wet compartment. A first elastomeric bead seal
may be formed at least partially along and adjacent to at least a
portion of a perimeter edge of the dry face. A second elastomeric
bead seal may be formed at least partially along and adjacent to at
least a portion of a perimeter edge of the wet face. The
elastomeric bellows may seal against and extend across the center
aperture. The bellows may further define a center opening
configured to receive and seal about a shaft portion of the
piston.
[0011] In a further implementation, an oral irrigator may include a
base unit, a removable reservoir, a handle, a first poppet valve,
and a second poppet valve. The base unit may house a motor and a
pump. The removable reservoir may define a reservoir cavity
configured to mechanically couple to a top surface of the base unit
and fluidly couple the reservoir cavity to the pump. The handle may
be removably connected to the base unit and fluidly coupled to the
pump by a hose to direct fluid flow from the pump. The first poppet
valve may be positioned in a removable connector attached at a
first end to the hose and releasably attached at a second end to a
port in the base unit in fluid communication with the pump. The
first poppet valve may be configured to open in response to fluid
under pressure received from the pump to allow fluid to flow
through the hose to the handle. The first poppet valve may also be
configured to close in the absence of fluid under pressure received
from the pump. The second poppet valve may be positioned in the
port and configured to open in response to connection with the
connector and configured to close when the connector is removed
from the port. In additional implementations, a shuttle valve may
be positioned in the base unit in fluid communication with the pump
at a first end and with the reservoir at a second end. The shuttle
valve may be configured to block a primary fluid flow passage to
the reservoir when the pump provides a positive pressure stroke and
configured to open the primary fluid flow passage to the reservoir
when the pump provides a negative pressure stroke. A third poppet
valve may be housed in a valve cavity defined within the shuttle
valve. The third poppet valve may be configured to block fluid flow
from the reservoir through the valve cavity and configured to open
and allow fluid flow through the valve cavity toward the reservoir
when fluid pressure at the first end of the shuttle valve exceeds a
threshold pressure.
[0012] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details,
utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in
the claims is provided in the following written description of
various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a front isometric view of an oral irrigator.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the oral irrigator of
FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 1C is a rear elevation view of the oral irrigator of
FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 1D is a bottom plan view of the oral irrigator of FIG.
1A.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a reservoir for the oral
irrigator.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of a base for the oral
irrigator.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 3C is a front isometric view of the base of FIG.
3A.
[0021] FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 3A.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the base of FIG. 3A.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a lower housing for the
base.
[0024] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of operating components
for the oral irrigator as arranged in the base.
[0025] FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the operating components of
FIG. 6A illustrating their layout in the base.
[0026] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator
taken along line 6C-6C in FIG. 1C.
[0027] FIG. 6D is a side elevation view of the operating components
of FIG. 6A.
[0028] FIG. 7A is a front isometric view of a drive assembly for
the oral irrigator.
[0029] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the drive assembly.
[0030] FIG. 8A is first side elevation view of a driven pulley for
the drive assembly.
[0031] FIG. 8B is a side isometric view of the driven pulley for
the drive assembly.
[0032] FIG. 9A is a top plan view of a connecting rod for the drive
assembly.
[0033] FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the connecting rod.
[0034] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of
FIG. 6C.
[0035] FIG. 11A is a front isometric view of a pump housing for a
pump assembly.
[0036] FIG. 11B is a rear isometric view of the pump housing of
FIG. 11A.
[0037] FIG. 12A is a front isometric view of a regulator housing
for a pressure assembly.
[0038] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the regulator housing
taken along line 12B-12B of FIG. 12A.
[0039] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a pressure regulator
valve.
[0040] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a connection assembly.
[0041] FIG. 15A is a rear isometric view of the oral irrigator of
FIG. 1A with the power assembly in a use orientation.
[0042] FIG. 15B is front isometric view of the oral irrigator of
FIG. 15A.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a front isometric view of the oral irrigator of
FIG. 1 A in a storage or collapsed position.
[0044] FIG. 17 is a rear isometric view of an alternate embodiment
of an oral irrigator.
[0045] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator
taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.
[0046] FIG. 19A is an exploded top isometric view of a power button
assembly of the oral irrigator of FIG. 17.
[0047] FIG. 19B is an exploded bottom isometric view of a power
button assembly of the oral irrigator of FIG. 17.
[0048] FIG. 20 is a front isometric view of a connecting rod of the
oral irrigator of FIG. 17.
[0049] FIG. 21 is a front isometric view of a driven pulley of the
oral irrigator of FIG. 17.
[0050] FIG. 22A is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
a drive assembly.
[0051] FIG. 22B is a front elevation view of the drive assembly of
FIG. 22A.
[0052] FIG. 23A is a front isometric view of an alternate
embodiment of a hose latch assembly.
[0053] FIG. 23B is rear isometric view of the hose latch assembly
of FIG. 23A
[0054] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
an eject button.
[0055] FIG. 25 is a right side elevation view of the handle of the
oral irrigator of FIG. 1.
[0056] FIG. 26 is a right side isometric view of a diaphragm seal
of the oral irrigator of FIG. 17.
[0057] FIG. 27 is a left side isometric view of the diaphragm seal
of FIG. 26.
[0058] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of an actuator with a rack gear
from the oral irrigator of FIG. 17.
[0059] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a gear assembly attached to
the pump assembly which interfaces with the rack gear of FIG.
28.
[0060] FIG. 30 is a front isometric view in cross section of the
actuator of FIG. 28 interfacing with the gear assembly of FIG.
29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] An example of the present disclosure includes an oral
irrigator having a reduced form factor as compared to conventional
countertop oral irrigators. The oral irrigator includes a base, a
removable reservoir, a power assembly, a drive assembly, a handle,
and a pump assembly. In one embodiment the reservoir and power
assembly are each reconfigurable from a storage or collapsed
position to a use or expanded position. For example, the reservoir
can transition from being seated on a top surface of the base in
the use position to the storage position where it is disconnected
from the base unit and the base unit is inserted into the reservoir
cavity for storage. Similarly, the power assembly stores within a
compartment in the base but is removed from the base and connected
to an electrical source, such as a power outlet, for use. The
handle can also be selectively connected with and disconnected from
the base and reservoir to allow the handle to be removed and stored
when desired. Countertop irrigators use regular outlets (100-240V
outlets) and are therefore more powerful and potentially more
desirable to a user than handheld units, which typically use a 2.4V
battery pack. In addition, countertop irrigators are ready for use
at any time as long as an outlet is available. In contrast,
handheld irrigators must be charged before they can be used. For
travel, a user may forget to charge the unit before departure and
the unit may not be operational when the user arrives at his
destination
[0062] The oral irrigator may also include a drive assembly having
reduced noise as compared to conventional oral irrigators. The
drive assembly includes a pinion pulley driven by a motor, a driven
pulley indirectly driven by a pinion pulley, and a belt connected
to the pinion pulley and the driven pulley to transfer motion from
the pinion pulley to the driven pulley. The belt seats on the outer
surface of the two pulleys and reduces noise generated by the drive
assembly as the pulleys, unlike gears, do not physically mesh with
one another in order to transfer motion therebetween. The drive
assembly may also include a tension assembly to insure that the
belt drive tension remains at an appropriate level based upon the
load on the motor.
[0063] The driven pulley is connected to a connecting rod that
drives a piston to pump fluid between a reservoir and a handle. In
one embodiment, the connecting rod includes a bend or elbow
extension. The bend allows a seal structure to seat around and seal
against the connecting rod.
[0064] The oral irrigator includes a number of different valves for
preventing fluid leakage in the storage and use configurations. For
example, the base and the handle each include connectors for
sealing inlets and outlets when the handle and base are
disconnected from one another. These connectors prevent the hose
connected to the handle and the aperture in the base for receiving
the hose from leaking fluid when the oral irrigator is not in
use.
[0065] Overview of the Oral Irrigator
[0066] With reference now to the figures, the oral irrigator of the
present disclosure will be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 1A-1D
illustrate various views of an oral irrigator. With reference to
FIGS. 1A-1D, the oral irrigator 100 includes a base 102, a
reservoir 104, a handle 106 connected to a tip 108, and a hose 110
fluidly connecting the handle 106 to the base 102. The oral
irrigator 100 also includes a power assembly 134 removably
connected to the base 102 and configured to electrically connect to
the base 102 to provide power to various components within the oral
irrigator 100. The reservoir 104, handle 106, and hose 110 are
removably connected to the base 102, allowing the oral irrigator
100 to be collapsed to a storage configuration and inserted into a
travel carry bag or other container for storage or transport.
[0067] The base 102 houses a motor, a pump assembly, a pressure
assembly, and various connectors to fluidly connect the handle 106
to the reservoir 104 and to pull fluid from the reservoir 104 and
expel it from the outlet of the tip 108. Each of the various
components of the oral irrigator 100 will be discussed in detail
below.
[0068] Reservoir
[0069] The reservoir 104 stores fluid, such as water, mouthwash,
etc., for use with the oral irrigator 100. FIG. 2 is a front
elevation view of the reservoir 104. The reservoir 104 is generally
rectangular in shape and includes a front wall 152, rear wall 154,
bottom wall 140, and two sidewalls 144, 144. The top end of the
reservoir 104 is open and each of the front, rear, and side walls
include a top edge 128, 129, 148, 150 at the top end of the
reservoir 104. In one embodiment, the top edges 128, 129 of the
front and rear walls 152, 154 vary in height along their length and
curve upward toward a center of the reservoir 104. In other words,
the front and rear walls 152, 154 have an increased height toward
the center as compared to the edges. In this manner, the top end of
the reservoir 104 bows or arcs upward in the middle and downward
toward each of the sidewalls 144, 146.
[0070] Each of the walls is interconnected to define a reservoir
compartment 124 for holding fluid. In some embodiments, the edges
interconnecting the front wall 152, rear wall 154, bottom wall 140,
and sidewalls 144, 146 are curved to define a soft angle, rather
than a right angle that would define a sharp edge. This curvature
is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also allows the reservoir
104 and the oral irrigator 100 to slide into and out of a packaging
or container as the edges will not snag on the material and also
will distribute impact forces more evenly across the reservoir
104.
[0071] The reservoir compartment 124 is dimensioned and shaped not
only to hold a desired amount of fluid, but also to correspond to
the shape and dimensions of the base unit 102. In particular, the
reservoir compartment 124 is shaped such that the base unit 102 can
fit easily within the reservoir compartment 124. A reservoir port
142 extends downward from the bottom wall 140 and is fluidly
connected to the reservoir compartment 124 via an aperture defined
through the bottom wall 140.
[0072] Base
[0073] The base 102 supports the reservoir 104 and encloses the
pumping and operating assemblies of the oral irrigator 100. FIGS.
3A-3D illustrate various views of the base 102 with the reservoir
and the power assembly hidden. FIG. 3D differs from FIG. 3B in that
a portion of the hose connector 112 is shown. FIG. 4 is an exploded
view of the base. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a lower housing of
the base 102. With reference to FIGS. 3A-4, the base 102 includes a
lower housing 178, an upper housing 180, a face plate 182, and a
trim ring 126, each of which interconnect together.
[0074] The trim ring 126 is an accent ring of material and includes
a button ring 186 connected thereto. In many embodiments the trim
ring 126 is a different material from the other components of the
base unit to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The trim
ring 126 helps to secure the various base components together and
may include ribs, flanges, and other fastening elements to press
fit or otherwise connect to the other components.
[0075] With reference to FIG. 4, the face plate 182 defines the top
surface 120 of the base 102 and assists in enclosing the interior
compartments of the base 102. The face plate 182 may include
cutouts, such as the upper housing aperture 188 and button aperture
190 for exposing select components of the oral irrigator 100, but
may be differently configured as desired. In some embodiments, the
face plate 182 may be a transparent material, such as transparent
plastic, and include a paint or coating on the interior surface
thereof. As the painted color is beneath the top outer surface, the
outer surface of the transparent face plate 182 has a high gloss
appearance. Additionally because the painted color is below the
outer surface it will be less exposed to environmental wear and
tear and thus last longer and be less likely to chip.
[0076] The upper housing 180 forms the sealing surface to
substantially enclose the internal compartment of the lower housing
178. The upper housing 180 may also define a support surface for
the reservoir 104 when the reservoir 104 is seated on top of the
base 102. For example, the upper housing 180 may include an
engagement surface 122 having a concave shape that bows downward
toward the center and raises upward toward the sidewalls of the
upper housing 180. A lip 196 may surround the perimeter of the
engagement surface 122 and help to align the reservoir 104 with
respect to the engagement surface 122, as well as prevent fluids
from exiting the engagement surface 122 (such as those that leak
from the reservoir 104 or down the sides of the reservoir).
[0077] The upper housing 180 may also include a sealing wall 192
and a port wall 194 extending downward from a bottom surface. The
sealing wall 192 may be a substantially planar member positioned
toward the front middle end of the upper housing 180. The port wall
194 may be a generally cylindrically shaped wall positioned near
the rear end of the upper housing 180 and configured to receive
elements for connecting the reservoir 104 to the base 102, such as
valves and connectors.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, and 5, the lower housing 178
of the base unit 102 includes a front wall 164, a back wall 170,
two sidewalls 166, 168, and a bottom wall 202. The combination of
the walls 164, 166, 168, 170, 202 defines a base cavity 196 in
which the pump assembly, pressure assembly, drive assembly, and
other components are received and as such may be varied to
accommodate those components as desired. In one embodiment, the
lower housing 178 includes a power block cavity 174 defined in the
back wall 170 (see FIG. 3C). The power block cavity 174 is
configured to receive the power assembly 134, which can be removed
from the lower housing 178 as discussed below. In these
embodiments, the lower housing 178 may include alignment and
securing features, such as alignment ribs 176 extending along a
length of the walls defining the power block cavity 174. The
alignment ribs 176 are configured to engage corresponding grooves
on the power assembly 134.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower housing 178 may
also include a groove 198 defined on the upper surface of the
bottom wall 202. A contoured sealing wall 200 extends upward from
the bottom wall 202 and is configured to correspond to a shape of
the reservoir valve connector and pressure actuator. The sealing
wall 200 and the groove 198 are sealing components that assist in
defining dry compartments 204, 208 and a wet compartment 206. The
dry compartments 204, 208 are sealed from the external environment,
as well as the components that are fluidly connected to the
reservoir 104 to reduce damage to components stored therein.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 4, the lower housing 178 also
includes a hose aperture 160, a button aperture 162, a slide recess
184, and a power connector aperture 210 for connecting elements to
the base unit 102. The hose aperture 160 and the button aperture
162 are both defined through the front wall 164 and extend into the
wet compartment 206. Similarly, the slide recess 184 defines a
recessed track on sidewall 166 and includes openings 212 (see FIG.
3A) for connecting an actuator to components stored within the
lower housing 178. The power connector aperture 210 is defined
through the back wall 170 and extends into the dry compartment
204.
[0081] Additionally, with reference to FIG. 5, in some embodiments,
the lower housing 178 includes a pocket 476 defined in the back
wall 170 in the power block cavity 174. The pocket 476 is defined
in the internal compartment of the lower housing 178 and is
configured to receive a magnet 474. As will be discussed in more
detail below, the magnet 474 is configured to interact with the
power assembly to secure it in position.
[0082] Operating Components
[0083] The operating components of the oral irrigator 100 will now
be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate various
views of the main operating components of the oral irrigator with
the various housings removed to better illustrate the internal
components. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the oral irrigator 100 may
include a drive assembly 216, a pump assembly 214, a pressure
assembly 228, and a connection assembly 230, each of which will be
discussed, in turn, below. Each of the assemblies may be
interconnected together and received within respective compartments
within the lower housing 178.
[0084] Mechanical Power Transmission Assembly
[0085] The drive assembly 216 converts rotational movement from a
motor into translational mechanical movement that drives the pump
assembly 214. FIG. 7A illustrates a front isometric view of the
drive assembly 216. FIG. 7B illustrates an exploded view of the
drive assembly 216. The drive assembly 216 includes a motor 218, a
pinion pulley 240, a driven pulley 250, a belt 238, a ball bearing
race 252 having inner and outer rings encompassing a ball bearing
ring 244, belt securing flanges 231, 248, a gear pin 232, and a
connecting rod 236. The motor 218 includes a drive shaft 242 and,
as shown in FIG. 6B, is electrically connected to the male power
connector socket 136 forming a power inlet of the base 102 via
wires 254.
[0086] The motor 218 may be substantially any type of device that
converts electricity into motion. In one embodiment, the motor 218
includes a signal conditioner such as a varistor.
[0087] The pinion pulley 240 is received around or otherwise
secured to the drive shaft 242 such that the pinion pulley 240
rotates with the drive shaft 242. The pinion pulley 240 optionally
may include a plurality of teeth 256 or grip elements for enhancing
a frictional engagement with the belt 238. However, depending on
the configuration of the belt 238, the pinion pulley may not
include teeth or may include other engagement features.
[0088] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate various views of the driven
pulley 250. The driven pulley 250 is driven by the pinion pulley
240 via the belt 238. The driven pulley 250 may be a relatively
cylindrically shaped disc having a first surface or side 258 and a
second surface or side 266. In one embodiment, the driven pulley
250 includes a plurality of teeth 270 or other engagement elements
that extend radially outward from the second surface 266 and are
oriented to face outward away from a center of the pulley 250. A
pin aperture 268 is defined through the driven pulley 250 and
extends between the first and second surfaces 258, 266.
[0089] With reference to FIG. 8B, the driven pulley 250 also
includes an engagement boss 260 that extends outward from the first
surface 258. The engagement boss 260 may be formed as a cylindrical
protrusion and may include one or more ribs 264 extending
lengthwise on an outer surface thereof. In many embodiments, the
engagement boss 260 is offset from a center axis of the driven
pulley 250. The bearing race 252 (see FIG. 7B) may seat around the
engagement boss 260 and is held in place by the ribs 264. For
example, the pin aperture 268 is typically aligned with the center
axis of the driven pulley 250 and the engagement boss 260 is offset
relative thereto to form an eccentric post. As the engagement boss
260 extends away from the first surface 258, in some embodiments, a
pin structure 262 may be arranged within the engagement boss 260 to
increase the length of the pin aperture 268, extending it through
the height of the engagement boss 260. In some embodiments, the pin
structure 262 may be longer than the height of the engagement boss
260.
[0090] With continued reference to FIG. 8B, the driven pulley 250
may also include a lip 257 or edge that defines a perimeter of the
first surface 258. The lip 257 may extend outward and upward from
the first surface 258 such that the first surface 258 is partially
recessed below the edge 257.
[0091] With reference again to FIG. 7B, the flanges 230, 248 are
used for securing the belt 238 to the pulleys 240, 250 and as such
may be configured to mate with and connect to the respective
pulley. In some examples, the flanges 230, 248 may be secured to
the pulleys 240, 250 using various attachment methods, such as
ultrasonic welding, adhesive, riveting, etc. In some examples, the
flanges 230, 248 may be integrated into each of the pulleys 240,
250.
[0092] The belt 238 transmits rotation from the pinion pulley 240
to the driven pulley 250. The belt 238 may include a plurality of
teeth for engaging the pinion pulley 240 and the driven pulley 250.
In one embodiment, the belt 238 is an MXL-type timing belt with a
pitch of 0.08'' and a 3/16'' width. However, many other types of
belts with different pitch length and widths may be used, such as
additional synchronous belts with other timing profiles such as XL
and L, or HTD type with pitches such as 3 mm, 5 mm, or 8 mm, GT
type with pitches such as 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm pitches, chevron
style synchronous belts; round belts; flat belts; elastic belts;
and V-shaped belts.
[0093] FIG. 9A is a top plan view of the connecting rod 236. FIG.
9B is a side elevation view of the connecting rod 236. As shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, the connecting rod 236 includes a connecting end
272 defining a cylindrical ring having a plurality of tabs 285
extending inward from an interior surface. The connecting end 272
is shaped and dimensioned to be received around the bearing race
252 and thereby around the engagement boss 260 of the driven pulley
250. The tabs 285 secure the connecting end 272 to the outer
surface of the bearing race 252 (see FIG. 7B) thereby allowing the
engagement boss 260 to rotate within the cylindrical ring of the
connecting end 272. An arm 274 extends from the connecting end 272.
The arm 274 is generally straight, but includes an angled bend 276
or elbow in a middle portion thereof. The angled bend 276 assists
in allowing the drive assembly 216 to fit within the lower housing
and maintain the reduced form factor of the oral irrigator 100.
Additionally, the bend allows the connecting rod 236 to pass
through and center on a seal between wet and dry compartments. From
the angled bend 276, the arm 274 transitions to a terminal end 278
having a ball 280.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 10, the drive assembly 216 also includes a
diaphragm seal 480 having a seal top surface 484 and a rod aperture
through a center thereof. The seal top surface 484 extends radially
outward from the rod aperture and then downward at an angle to
define a flexible skirt 486. The skirt 486 may be conical or
frustum shaped and define a bellows. The skirt 486 is flexible and
configured to resiliently deform and return to its original shape.
A crease at the bottom of the skirt 486 varies as the seal is
deformed. A beaded flange 482 extends radially outward from a top
end of the crease. The flange 482 includes a flat top surface and a
convexly curved bottom surface.
[0095] Pump Assembly
[0096] With reference to FIG. 10, which is an enlarged view of FIG.
6C, the pump assembly 214 includes a piston 283 that is driven by
the drive assembly 216 and a pump body 284. The piston 283 is
generally cylindrical and has on its top surface an annular flange
318 and an interior pedestal 320. An annular valley is defined
between the annular flange 318 and interior pedestal 320. A curved
interior surface 321 on the interior of the piston is configured to
receiving the ball 280 of the connecting rod 236 in order to form a
ball joint.
[0097] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate front and rear isometric views
of the pump body 284. The pump body 284 includes a pump wall 288
defining a pump chamber 322 therein. A securing bracket 294 is
connected to a side surface of the pump wall 288 and is configured
to receive a fastening element. Additionally, a spring wall or post
292 extends from the same side surface as the securing bracket 294
for receiving components of the eject button, discussed in more
detail below. A hose interface 296 is connected to a first end of
the pump wall 288 and includes a plate 310 having first and second
sides with corresponding connection features for coupling the pump
body 284 to internal and external valves.
[0098] In particular, with reference to FIG. 11A, a valve housing
300 for interfacing with the hose connector 112 extends from a
first side of the plate 310. The valve housing 300 may be shaped as
a cylindrical wall and include a ledge 302 extending concentrically
within the valve housing 300 from the plate 310. The ledge 302 may
be shorter than the valve housing 300 and terminate before an outer
edge of the valve housing 300. The back wall 304 of the valve
housing 300, which may form a portion of the first side of the
plate 310, includes a pin recess 306 and a pump outlet 308. The
pump outlet 308 is fluidly connected to the pump chamber 322.
[0099] With reference to FIG. 11B, the rear side of the plate 310
includes a tube 312 for interfacing with the pressure assembly 228
and corresponding valves. The tube 312 may include one or more
prongs 314 extending from an interior surface thereof to engage
with corresponding valve elements. A pump inlet 316 is defined as
an aperture through the tube 312 and is fluidly connected to the
tube 312 and the interior of the pump chamber 322.
[0100] Pressure Assembly
[0101] With reference again to FIGS. 6A and 6C, the pressure
assembly 228 will now be discussed in more detail. The pressure
assembly 228 allows a user to selectively adjust the pressure
output by the oral irrigator 100. In one embodiment, the pressure
assembly 228 includes a regulator housing 326, a dual valve
assembly 328, and a pressure valve 344.
[0102] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an isometric view and a
cross-sectional view, respectively, of the regulator housing 326.
With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the regulator housing 326
defines a body for receiving the pressure valve 344 and the dual
valve assembly 328. Additionally, the regulator housing 326 defines
a fluid flow path from the reservoir 104 to the pump assembly 214
and so, in some embodiments, may also form a part of the pump
housing.
[0103] The regulator housing 326 includes a main body 354 that may
have a generally cylindrical shape defining a main channel 362
therethrough. An inlet 356 is fluidly connected to the main channel
362 and extends from a first end of the main body 354. A regulator
outlet 364 is defined on the opposite end of the main channel 362.
A valve compartment 350 is defined on a side of the main body 354
and includes a cavity for receiving the pressure valve 344, two
securing features 352a, 352b connected to either side of the
compartment 350, a valve inlet 358 and a valve outlet 360. The
valve inlet 358 is fluidly connected to the main channel 362 and
the valve outlet 360 is fluidly connected to the housing inlet 356.
In other words, fluid flows through the valve compartment 350 in
the opposite direction it flows in the main channel 362 to in a
sense siphon fluid headed to the pump assembly 214 and direct it
back to the reservoir 104. The regulator housing 326 may include a
plurality of securing features, such as brackets 366, 368 that are
configured to receive fasteners for securing the housing within the
base 102.
[0104] FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of the pressure valve
344, the biasing element 348, and the seal 340. With reference to
FIGS. 6C and 13, the pressure valve 344 is used to vary one or more
characteristics of the flow channel between the inlet and outlet
360, 358 in the regulator housing 326. With reference to FIGS. 6C,
6D, and 13, the pressure valve 344 includes a gear face 370 for
interfacing with and connecting to the gear 334 and a sealing face
374. The sealing face 374 varies in the thickness and includes a
flow channel 376 defined therein. The flow channel 376 varies in
dimension and shape and extends in a generally curved manner around
a central area of the sealing face 374.
[0105] The seal 340 is biased against the sealing face 374 of the
pressure valve 344 and includes a flow aperture 378 defined
therethrough. The flow aperture 378 is typically in fluid
communication with the flow channel 376 of the sealing face 374 and
the main channel 362 but varies where it engages with the flow
channel 376 based on the position of the pressure valve 344, as
discussed in more detail below.
[0106] With reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D, the pressure assembly 228
includes the gear 334, a corresponding rack 380, and the actuator
114. The rack 380 includes a plurality of teeth 382 that engage
with the teeth 384 on the gear 334. The actuator 114 is coupled to
the rack 380, which moves laterally relative to the rack bracket
336. For example, the rack bracket 336 may include one or more
longitudinal grooves and the rack 380 may include pegs that are
received into the grooves to secure the rack 380 to the bracket
336. The grooves allow the rack 380 to slide laterally relative to
the bracket 336. The actuator 114 is connected to the rack 380 and
configured to move the rack 380 in the lateral direction to actuate
the gear 334, as discussed in more detail below.
[0107] With reference to FIG. 10, the dual valve assembly 328 will
now be discussed in more detail. The dual valve assembly 328 acts
both as a regulator valve to regulate fluid into and out of the
reservoir into the pump chamber 322, as well as to help prevent
damage to the pump in the event of a blockage at the tip, such as
activation of a pause button on the handle 106, such that the dual
valve acts as a check valve. For the primary valve function of the
dual valve assembly 328, the dual valve assembly 328 includes a
valve housing 388 which may be a substantially cylindrical hollow
component and is configured to slide within the main channel 362.
The valve housing 388 terminates in a terminal end 394 having an
aperture defined through a front surface thereof. The second end of
the valve housing 388 includes a seal cap 398 that includes a flow
channel 400 defined therethrough. The flow channel 400 is in
communication with the reservoir connector 330.
[0108] For the secondary or check valve function, the dual valve
assembly 328 includes a spring actuated valve within the valve
housing 388, in some instances the spring actuated valve may be
considered a third valve of the oral irrigator. In particular, a
support post 396 having a flow channel defined therethrough is
connected to the seal cap 398, a biasing element 392 is received
within the valve housing 388 and aligned with the support post 396.
A plunger 390 is connected to the biasing element 392 and
configured to move therewith. The plunger 390 may include a tapered
shape, such as a cone or frustum, and has a terminal end diameter
that is the same diameter as that of the aperture in the terminal
end 394 of the valve housing 388. The force of the biasing element
392 is selected to be overcome by fluid back pressure that exceeds
a predetermined amount, such as the pressure build up due to a
blockage of the jet tip 108.
[0109] Handle Connection Assembly
[0110] The connection assembly 230 will now be discussed in more
detail. FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the connection
assembly 230. With reference to FIGS. 6C and 14, the connection
assembly 230 includes an outlet fitting 402 and a spring bearing
406, as well as a first valve that may include a biasing element
408, a poppet 410, a poppet cap 412, a top cap 416, and sealing
members 404, 414. The outlet fitting 402 interfaces with the pump
body 284 and includes a central boss 418 having a cavity 420
defined therethrough. The outlet fitting 402 may include one or
more securing flanges 422a, 422b for receiving fasteners to secure
to the pump body, portions of the housing, etc.
[0111] The bearing 406 includes a support post 424 (see FIGS. 6C
and 10) extending from a rear surface and a receiving post 426
extending from a front surface. The posts 424, 426 are configured
to be positioned within a receiving recess in the pump body 284 and
receive the biasing member 408, respectively.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 14, the poppet 410 is a generally
cylindrical body having a tapered end with a closed tip 428. One or
more fluid apertures 430 may be defined by the sidewalls of the
body. The end cap 412 is configured to seat on the closed tip 428
of the poppet 410 and may be configured to correspond to the shape
and dimension of the closed tip 428 such that it may be press fit
onto the closed tip 428 end of the poppet 410.
[0113] The top cap 416 forms the end component of the connection
assembly 230 and is connected to the outlet fitting 402 with the
various components of the connection assembly 230 positioned
between the two. The sealing components may be O-rings, such as
seal element 404, or seal-cups, such as seal member 414 and may be
positioned around select components of the connection assembly 230
or as desired to create fluid-proof connections.
[0114] The latch assembly 432 selectively connects and disconnects
the hose connector 112 to the base 102 will now be discussed in
more detail. With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6C, and 10, the latch
assembly 432 includes the eject button 118, a biasing element 444,
and a latch 434. The eject button 118 is configured to actuate the
latch 434 and includes an outer surface that a user actuates, a
central cavity 446 for receiving the biasing element 444 and a
tapered interior actuation tip 442. The actuation tip 442 is shaped
as a frustum or blunt ended cone that slowly increases in diameter
from the most interior surface toward the outer surfaces. As will
be discussed in more detail, the actuation tip 442 is configured to
move the latch 434 from an engaged position to a released position.
The latch 434 includes two latch arms 436a, 436b connected together
at one end by a leaf spring 440. Each of the latch arms 436a, 436b
are generally elongated members and include detents 438a, 438b
extending inward from a first sidewall toward the opposite arm.
[0115] The hose connector 112 is used to fluidly connect the handle
106 to the base 102 and will now be discussed in more detail. With
reference to FIGS. 3D and 10, the hose connector 112 includes a
connector body 452 with a cap 450 connected thereto. The connector
body 452 defines an interior lumen 456 housing a spring actuated
valve and a lower body 462 that is partially inserted to the base
102, as discussed in more detail below. The interior lumen 456 of
the connector body 452 is fluidly connected to a prong lumen 466
that is defined by a prong 464 extending downward from a bottom end
of the connector body 452. The prong 464 is positioned within a
central region of the lower body 462 and includes one or more fluid
apertures 468 defined as cutouts in its bottom end for fully
connecting the prong lumen 466 to the pump assembly 214. The bottom
end of the lower body 462 includes an external flange 470 extending
circumferentially around the lower body 462. The external flange
470 selectively engages the latch 434 to secure the hose connector
112 to the base 102.
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 3D and 10, the hose connector 112
includes a leak valve, which in some instances may be considered a
second valve, and may be in the form of a poppet 460 and a biasing
element 458. The biasing element 458 is secured to a post extending
from a bottom surface of the cap 450 and biases the poppet 460
toward the entrance to the prong lumen 466. The poppet 460 is
selected to have a diameter that is larger than the entrance to the
lumen 466 such that when activated the poppet 460 seals the
entrance and prevents fluid, such as water stuck in the hose 110
after use of the irrigator, from leaking out when the hose
connector 112 is removed from the base. However, the biasing
element 458 is selected such that its force is able to be easily
overcome by the fluid pressure expelled by the pump assembly
214.
[0117] Assembly of the Oral Irrigator
[0118] The assembly of the oral irrigator 100 will now be
discussed. It should be noted that the below discussion is not
meant to convey a particular assembly order, but merely to describe
the connection of different elements to one another. As such, the
below discussion is meant as illustrative only. With reference to
FIGS. 5, 6B, 6C, 7A, and 7B, the drive assembly 216 is connected
together and secured to the lower housing 178 of the base 102. The
chassis 220 and the motor 218 are connected together and secured in
the dry compartment 208 of the lower housing 178.
[0119] The pinion pulley 240 is positioned on the drive shaft 242
of the motor 218 and the belt 238 is slid over the outer surface of
the pinion pulley 240 with the belt teeth meshing with the teeth
256 on the outer surface of the pinion pulley 240. The flange 231
is then connected to the outer perimeter of the pinion pulley 240
to secure the belt on the outer surface of the pinion pulley 240.
The ball bearing race 252 is received around the outer surface of
the engagement boss 260 of the driven pulley 250 and the connecting
end 272 of the connecting rod 236 or crank is received around the
outer surface of the ball bearing race 252. The belt 238 is
positioned on the outer surface of the driven pulley 250 and the
flange 248 is connected to the pulley 250 to secure the belt 238 on
the pulley. The belt 238 may alternatively be connected to the
pulleys 240, 250 after the pulleys are connected to their driving
components or respective shafts.
[0120] The gear pin 232 is then received through the aperture in
the pin structure 262 of the driven pulley 250 and connected to a
corresponding groove in the chassis 220. The securing bracket 222
(see FIG. 7A) is then connected to the chassis 220 via a plurality
of fasteners connected to bosses extended from the chassis 220,
such as bosses 220a, 220b, 220c. With reference to FIGS. 6C and 10,
the connecting rod 236 is inserted into an aperture defined through
the first sealing plate 488 and the top surface 484 of the
diaphragm seal 480 is positioned between the two sealing flanges
282a, 282b of the connecting rod 236. The beaded flange 482 of the
seal is clamped in position and the second sealing plate 490 is
positioned over the edge of the diaphragm seal 480 and engages with
the outer surface of the first sealing plate 488. The first and
second sealing plates 488, 490 are then clamped together with
fasteners, with the edges of the diaphragm seal being clamped
therebetween and the connecting rod extending between apertures in
the two plates 488, 490. In this configuration, the connecting rod
236 and the seal 480 create a fluid seal between the dry
compartment 208 and the wet compartment 206 in the lower housing
178 of the base 102.
[0121] The pump assembly 214 is connected and coupled to the drive
assembly 216. With reference FIGS. 6C and 10, the piston 283 is
connected to the ball 280 of the connecting rod 236. The pump body
284 is secured to the lower housing 178 of the base unit via
fasteners connected to the securing bracket 294.
[0122] With reference to FIGS. 10, 11A, and 14, the connection
assembly 230 is assembled and connected to the pump body 284. In
particular, the support post 424 of the bearing 406 is received
within the pin recess 306 in the back wall 304 of the valve housing
300 in the pump body 284. The biasing element 408 is then
positioned around the post 426 of the bearing 406. The poppet 410
is received around the biasing element 408 with the cap 412
connected to the end portion of the poppet 410 with the closed tip
428. The outlet fitting 402 is positioned over the valve assembly
such that the poppet 410 is positioned within the boss 418. The
O-ring 404 is received between the fitting 402 and the pump body
284 and in one embodiment is held in position by the securing
flanges 422a, 422b, which are connected by fasteners to the
securing posts 298a, 298b of the pump body 284. The seal member 414
may be a cup that is positioned within the top cap 416, which is
then press fit or otherwise secured to the top end of the boss
418.
[0123] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11A, the eject button 118 and
biasing element 444 are connected to the pump body 284. In
particular, the biasing element 444 is received in the spring wall
or post 292 and the latch 434 is connected around the biasing
element 444 with the arms extending around the connection assembly
230. Then, the eject button 118 is connected to the biasing element
444 with the latch 434 positioned between the eject button 118 and
the pump body 284. The biasing element 444 is received within the
central cavity 446 of the eject button 118 with the actuation tip
442 being oriented toward the pump body 284.
[0124] The pressure assembly 228 is assembled and the dual or check
valve assembly 328 is received within the main channel 362 of the
regulator housing 326. The end portion of the dual valve assembly
328 is positioned within the tube 312 of the pump body 284 and
abuts against the prongs 314. The inlet 356 to the regulator
housing is connected to the reservoir connector 330 and the
regulator housing 326 is then secured to the lower housing 178 via
the securing bracket 366, 368 and two fasteners. The reservoir
connector 330 and the regulator housing 326 are positioned in the
wet compartment 206 of the lower housing 178. The regulator housing
326 and the pump body 284 are connected together via fasteners
securing the securing posts 298c, 298c of the pump body 284 and the
securing brackets 367 of the regulator housing 326 together.
[0125] With reference to FIGS. 6C, 12A, 12B, and 13 the pressure
valve 344 is connected to the regulator housing 326. For example,
the biasing element 348 is received within the inlet 358 of the
valve compartment 350 in the regulator housing 326 and the seal 340
is received around the biasing element 348. An O-ring 342 is
positioned in the groove 372 in the valve 344 and the valve 344 is
positioned in the valve compartment 350 with the sealing face 374
positioned to face the back wall of the valve compartment 350.
[0126] With reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D, the actuation assembly is
then connected to the pressure valve 344. In particular, the rack
bracket 336 is positioned against the regulator housing 326 aligned
such that the fastening posts 352a, 352b align with corresponding
features on the rack bracket 336. The rack bracket 336 is secured
via fasteners to the regulator housing 326. The gear 334 is
connected to the valve 344 by a fastener, such as a screw, and the
rack 380 is press fit into the longitudinal slots in the rack
bracket 336. The actuator 114 is then connected to the rack 380 and
select teeth 382 are positioned to engage select teeth 384 of the
gear 334.
[0127] Power Button
[0128] With reference to FIGS. 6B and 6D, the power button 116 is
secured on a bracket 431 and is electrically connected to the motor
218 through a circuit board 131 that electrically connects the
motor 218 to a power source coupled to the power port formed by the
male power connector socket 136 and the power assembly 134.
[0129] With reference to FIGS. 6B and 6D, in the assembled
positioned, the drive assembly 216, pump assembly 214, connection
assembly 230, and pressure assembly 228 are arranged in a U type
shape when viewed from a top plan view. In this manner, the central
region of the base 102 can be hollow to allow insertion of the
power assembly 134 in the storage configuration or to define a
battery compartment for receiving a battery (or other accessory
storage). In one embodiment, the motor 218 is arranged so as to be
substantially perpendicular to the pump body 284 and substantially
parallel to the regulator housing 326. Further, the pump body 284
is arranged to be perpendicular to the reservoir connector 330 and
the reservoir outlet. These types of arrangements allow the oral
irrigator 100 to have a reduced size, both in width and height.
[0130] With reference to FIG. 4, once the internal components are
connected together and received within the lower housing 178, the
upper housing 180 is secured to the lower housing 178. The sealing
wall 192 of the lower housing assists in sealing the dry
compartment 208 from the wet compartment 206 in the lower housing
178. The port wall 194 of the upper housing 180 is positioned
around a portion of the reservoir connector 330 to help prevent
fluids from leaking from the reservoir connector into the secondary
dry compartment 204. The upper housing 180 is secured in a number
of different manners, such as press fit, sonic welding, adhesive,
fasteners, or the like. The face plate 182 is secured on top of the
upper housing 180 and the trim ring 126 is positioned underneath
the face plate 182 to surround the perimeter of the face plate 182.
The face plate 182 and the upper housing 180 to secure the position
of the trim ring 126.
[0131] Separable Power Assembly
[0132] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 3C, in the storage position,
the power assembly 134 is inserted into the power block cavity 174
of the lower housing 178. The alignment ribs 176 align with
corresponding grooves on the power assembly 134 to guide the power
assembly 134 into the power block cavity 174. Additionally, the
magnet 474 (see FIG. 5) in the lower housing 178 attracts a
corresponding magnet in the power assembly 134 to secure the power
assembly 134 in place with the front wall of the power assembly
resting against the back wall of the power block cavity 174.
[0133] With reference to FIG. 16, in the storage configuration 500,
the base 102 with the power assembly 134 secured in the power block
cavity 174 is inserted into the reservoir 104. As shown in FIG. 16,
the base 102 is sized to fit completely within the reservoir 104
and the top edges 128, 129 of the reservoir 104 may extend
partially beyond the front wall 164 of the base 102. The eject
button 118 and the top cap 416 of the connection assembly 230 do
not extend past the edge of the reservoir 104 and so will not snag
on fabric or other elements if the oral irrigator 100 is received
within a carrying case. In the storage configuration 500, the oral
irrigator 100 is configured to be easily inserted into a case or
compartment and the reservoir 104 acts as a hard container for
protecting the internal components of the base 102 and also
enhances the ability of the oral irrigator 100 to easily slide into
a fabric or other similar type of case.
[0134] Operation of the Oral Irrigator
[0135] Operation of the oral irrigator 100 will now be discussed in
more detail. FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate rear and front isometric
views, respectively, of the oral irrigator 100 in the use
configuration 510. To use the irrigator, the base 102 is removed
from the reservoir 104 and the reservoir 104 is connected to the
top of the base 102. The reservoir 104 sits within and on top of
the engagement surface 122. The engagement surface 122 may be
contoured to match the shape of the reservoir 104 and the lip 196
surrounding the engagement surface 122 helps to prevent fluid from
the reservoir 104 from leaking out of the base 102. The reservoir
port 142 (see FIG. 2) is received within the reservoir aperture 156
defined in the base 102. The reservoir port 142 is positioned
around the reservoir connector 330 and the reservoir valve 158,
which activates the valve to allow flow from the reservoir to the
pressure assembly 228.
[0136] The power assembly 134 is removed from the power block
cavity 174 in the base 102 and the prongs 514 are unfolded from the
housing. A power cord 512 can then be connected to the male power
connector socket 136 of the power port in the base 102 and the
power assembly 134. When the power assembly 134 is connected to a
power source, such as a wall outlet, electricity can flow from the
power assembly 134 to the circuit board 131 in the base 102 to
provide power to the oral irrigator 100. In some embodiments the
power assembly 134 may include one or more converting components
that convert the power source from alternating current to direct
current, but the type of conversion (if any) depends on the type of
motor and the components that may be positioned within the base
102.
[0137] The handle 106 is then fluidly connected to the base 102.
The hose connector 112 is connected to the connection assembly 230.
With reference to FIG. 10, the lower body 462 of the hose connector
112 is inserted such that the prong 464 is inserted into the top
cap 416 of the connection assembly 230. The prong 464 compresses
the cap 412 of the poppet 410, which in turn compresses the biasing
element 408. As the cap 412 moves downward with the compression of
the biasing element 408, the cap 412 unseats from the top end of
the outlet fitting 402, allowing fluid to flow from the outlet
fitting 402 into the fluid apertures 468 in the prong 464.
Additionally, the hose connector 112 biases the arms 436a, 436b
(see FIG. 6A) of the latch 434, which flex due to the spring 440 to
open to engage the outer surface of the lower body 462 of the hose
connector 112. The detents 438a, 438b are positioned around the
lower body 462 to secure the hose connector 112 in position. To
release the hose connector 112, a user presses the eject button
118, which compresses the biasing element 444, and moves the eject
button 118 such that the tapered actuation tip 442 moves toward the
latch 434, moving the arms 436a, 436b away from one another, moving
the detents 438a, 438b away from another. As this occurs, the
biasing element 408 of the connection assembly 230 exerts a force
against the poppet 410 and the poppet cap 412 that pushes the prong
464 outward away from the fitting 402. This acts to help force the
hose connector 112 out of engagement with the connection assembly
230. The user can then remove the hose connector 112.
[0138] When the hose connector 112 is removed from the connection
assembly 230, the biasing element 458 seals the poppet 460 in the
hose connector 112 to prevent fluid from leaking from the hose
connector 112 through the entrance to the prong 464.
[0139] With the handle 106 fluidly connected to the base 102, the
user turns the oral irrigator 100 on by pressing the power button
116. The motor 218 is then electrically connected to the power
source and turns on. With reference to FIG. 6C, as the motor 218
operates, the drive shaft 242 rotates, rotating the pinion pulley
240. As the pinion pulley 240 rotates, the belt 238 moves, causing
the driven pulley 250 to rotate about the gear pin 232. The
rotation of the driven pulley 250 causes the connecting rod 236 to
move correspondingly, slipping by its engagement with the bearing
race 252. This causes the connecting rod 236 to move in a
substantially lateral movement, although the driven pulley 250 is
moving in a rotational movement. The belt drive for the drive
assembly 216 allows the size of the base unit 102 to be reduced
because there is no need for a separate gear housing that is
typically used to prevent grease from possibly mixing into the
fluid and/or interfere with the operation of other components.
Further, the belt drive reduces the noise as the teeth of the
pulleys do not directly mesh with one another, eliminating the need
for the drive assembly to be mounted above the bottom floor of the
lower housing 178, which may typically be done in conventional oral
irrigators to reduce vibrations.
[0140] As the connecting rod 236 moves laterally with respect to
the sealing plates 488, 490, the diaphragm seal 480 moves
therewith. Because the diaphragm seal 480 merely changes in length
(as the bellows expands and contracts), the seal 480 does not exert
a drag force on the connecting rod 236, enhancing the efficiency of
the drive assembly 216, while maintaining the seal between the dry
and wet compartments 206, 208.
[0141] With continued reference to FIG. 6C, as the connecting rod
236 moves, the piston 283 moves laterally within the pump chamber
290 in the pump body 284. On a downward stroke, the piston 283
moves toward the sealing plates 488, 490, increasing the available
volume within the pump chamber 290, creating a vacuum pull. This
vacuum causes fluid from the reservoir 104 to flow through the
reservoir valve, into the reservoir connector 330 and into the
regulator housing 326. The force created by the piston 283 movement
also pulls the dual valve assembly 328 toward the pump housing 234,
unseating the dual valve assembly 328 from the inlet 356 of the
regulator housing 326. This allows fluid from the reservoir
connector 330 to flow into the main channel 362, around the dual
valve assembly 328, and into the pump chamber 290.
[0142] On an upward stroke, the piston 283 moves toward the valve
housing 300 of the pump body 284. This forces fluid within the pump
chamber 290 out of the pump chamber 290 and into the outlet 308 in
the pump body 284. The fluid then flows into the outlet fitting
402, around the poppet valve 410 and into the fluid apertures 468
in the prong lumen 466 of the prong 464 of the hose connector 112.
The fluid force overcomes the biasing force exerted by the biasing
element 458 in the hose connector 112, and unseats the poppet form
the aperture connecting the prong lumen 466 to the interior lumen
456 of the housing, which then flows into the hose 110 and into the
handle 106 and out the tip 108.
[0143] To adjust the pressure during operation, the user moves the
actuator 114. With reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D, lateral movement
of the actuator 114 causes the rack 380 to slide relative to the
rack bracket 336, causing the gear 334 to rotate. As the gear 334
rotates, with reference to FIGS. 6C and 13, the pressure valve
rotates, causing the inlet 358 to the valve compartment 350 in the
regulator housing 326 to open, allowing fluid to bypass from
entering into the pump body 284. The fluid flows through the inlet
358 through the valve compartment 350 within the flow channel 376
in the pressure valve 344 to the valve outlet 360 and back to the
reservoir 104. The amount of fluid allowed to flow through the
bypass channel defined by the sealing face 374 varies based on the
location of the sealing face 374 relative to the valve inlet 358,
thus rotating the gear 334 further in a particular direction will
align a wider or shorter portion of the channel 376 with the inlet
358, decrease or increasing, respectively, the pressure output by
the pump to the tip 108.
[0144] Handle
[0145] With reference to FIGS. 1B and 25, the handle 106 may
include a handle housing 520 having a front housing half 520a and a
rear handle housing 520b. An angled hanging slot 522 may be formed
in the rear handle housing 520b generally extending between each
lateral side of the rear handle housing 520b and further extending
in depth toward the tip 108. The hanging slot 522 may be bounded by
two opposing walls 525a, 525b spaced apart from each other and a
transverse wall 523 at a terminal interior end of the opposing
walls 525a, 525b such that the outer wall of the rear handle
housing 520b is open to the hanging slot 522 at lateral sides of
the two opposing walls 525a, 525b and at a base end of the opposing
walls 525a, 525b opposite the transverse wall 525. In some
embodiments the opposing walls may be parallel to each other,
planar, or both. The hanging slot 522 may be centered along the
length of the handle housing 520 or otherwise positioned to be
centered on the center of mass of the handle 106 in order to aid in
balancing the handle 106 when hung on a support using the hanging
slot 522. The width of the hanging slot 522 may be congruent with
the thickness of the walls of the reservoir 104 at the top edges
128, 129. The top edges 128, 129 of the reservoir 104 may thus fit
within the hanging slot until a location at the top edges 128, 129
abuts the support surface 523. The hanging slot 522 thereby allows
the handle 106 to hang from the top edges 128, 129 of the reservoir
104. With this hanging slot 522, typical handle support element,
such as C-clamps, cradles, or the like, can be omitted, reducing
the number of parts for the oral irrigator 100, thus decreasing
costs. The angle of the slot 522 may be selected to intersect the
longitudinal axis of the handle 106 such that the handle 106 does
not hang parallel to the reservoir 104, to make it easier for a
user to grip around the handle 106 in the space between the
reservoir 104 and the housing 520. However, in other embodiments,
the groove may be substantially vertical relative to a length of
the housing 520 to allow the handle 106 to hang more parallel to
the reservoir walls.
[0146] The handle 106 may also include elements such as a pause
button, tip eject, swivel, or the like. An example of these types
of components and a handle that can be used with the oral irrigator
100 is described in related U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/415,836, filed on 25 Jan. 2017 entitled "Swivel Assembly for
Oral Irrigator Handle," (which claims priority to U.S. provisional
patent application No. 62/286,792 filed on 25 Jan. 2016), which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Alternate Embodiment
[0147] An alternate embodiment of an oral irrigator 1700 is
additionally contemplated, which is substantially similar to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 and incorporates the components and
operation as previously described. The alternate embodiment and
components thereof are shown in FIGS. 17-21. In this alternate
embodiment, the size and arrangement of the components installed
within the lower base unit have been altered in order to achieve
different benefits than offered in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16.
Such benefits may include a power assembly with non-adjustable
prongs, a circuit board positioned centrally within the unit to
create a generally balanced assembly, a stronger connection between
the power connector and power connector socket, and a linear
mechanical power transmission assembly. It should be noted that
features not specifically referenced in FIGS. 17-21 may be the same
as those shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-16. For
example, the valves shown in the oral irrigator base and/or hose
connector may be the same as those shown and described with respect
to FIG. 10.
[0148] With reference to FIG. 17, in general, the location of the
components positioned within the base 1702 have been reconfigured
to, at least in part, create additional space for the power
assembly and its prongs. Additional differences are discussed
further below.
[0149] Power Assembly
[0150] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B and
with reference to FIG. 17, the power assembly 1734 is configured to
fit within the power block cavity 1774 of the base 1702. The layout
of the components within the base 1702 has been rearranged, thereby
creating additional space for the power assembly 1734 and enabling
the power assembly 1734 to no longer require prongs 1714 that are
adjustable and collapse when stored within the power block cavity
1774. The size of the power assembly 1734 has also been reduced,
creating more space in the main body of the base 1702. The
alternate configuration of the various components within the base
1702 and the decreased power assembly 1734 size creates a prong
space 1775 for the non-collapsible or non-adjustable extended
prongs 1714 of the power assembly 1734 to slide into. With
reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the extended prongs 1714 may fit
within the additional space 1775 of the power block cavity 1774
such that the power assembly 1734 no longer requires collapsible or
adjustable prongs in order to fit within the power block cavity
1774, and therefore the extended prongs 1714 do not unfold,
collapse, or adjust with respect to the power assembly 1734. The
power assembly 1734 fits within the power block cavity 1774 in the
base 1702.
[0151] Circuit Board Location
[0152] An alternate embodiment of the oral irrigator base 1702 as
shown in FIG. 18 relocates the circuit board 131 from the position
shown in FIG. 6C. With reference to FIG. 18, the optimized
configuration of the components installed within the base 1702 also
allows for the circuit board 1831 to be located central to the
overall base 1702, between the drive assembly 1814 and the power
block cavity 1774. The circuit board 1831 electrically connects the
motor 1818 to a power source coupled to the power connector socket
1836 and the power assembly 1734. The central location of the
circuit board 1831 allows for the simplified location of the wires
1854 connecting the motor 1818, the power button 1916 (shown in
FIGS. 19A and 19B), and the power connector socket 1836, as
compared to the circuit board 131 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16,
which is located in the dry compartment 204 (shown in FIG. 6C), and
wires 254 connecting the various powered elements are run in a
space between the lower housing 178 and the upper housing 180 above
the power block cavity 174 (shown in FIGS. 6A-6D). The simplified
location of wires 1854 in the embodiment of FIG. 18 may require
less wire 1854 to be used than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 and
require a potentially less circuitous routing of the wires
throughout the base 1702, potentially decreasing the assembly cost
of the oral irrigator and creating a more robust design overall.
This placement of the circuit board 1831 in this location is near
the center of the oral irrigator base 1702 to help protect the
circuit board 1831 against electrostatic discharges which may
impact the outer walls of the main enclosure.
[0153] Power Button Structure
[0154] An alternate embodiment of the structure surrounding the
power button 1916 is shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. The power button
1916 may include a flexible PCB 1999 with a dome switch and an
adhesive backing. The flexible PCB 1999 is installed between the
button 1916 and the bracket 1931, and the adhesive side of the
flexible PCB 1999 may be positioned adjacent bracket 1931. The
flexible PCB 1999 may help provide the user with a tactile feel
when the button 1916 is depressed, which may help enhance the user
experience. A silicone seal may be adhesively coupled to the button
1916. When assembled, the button 1916 is sandwiched between the
bracket 1931 and the upper housing 194, with the outer edge of the
silicone seal compressed between the bracket 1931 and the housing
194. This seal further protects the internal components connected
to the power button 1916 from exposure to liquids that may
inadvertently contact the power button 1916.
[0155] Power Connector Connection
[0156] An alternate embodiment for the male power connector socket
136 of the base 102 within the power connector aperture 210 is also
provided. With reference to FIG. 18, and similar to the original
embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the power connector aperture 1810 is
defined through the back wall 1870 and extends into the dry
compartment 1804 of the base 1702. The male power connector socket
1836 is installed within the power connector aperture 1810, and has
two pins 1898. After installation, the male power connector socket
1836 is then connected to the base 1702 by way of welding, applying
epoxy or other waterproof adhesive between the components, using a
press fit, or other similar techniques. In an example where the
male power connector socket 1836 is welded to the base 1702, a
waterproof membrane is created. The male power connector socket
1836 may be manufactured using an insert molding technique, which
may create a male power connector socket 1836 that has good wear
resistance and tensile strength. In addition, the male power
connector socket 1836 may be welded to the power block cavity 1774,
increasing the strength and durability of the connection of the
power connector socket 1836 to the power block cavity 1774 and the
base 1702. In addition, the welding and insert molding technique
may create waterproof connections that would otherwise require
additional seals, which would otherwise require additional costs
and assembly time. Furthermore, these features may be desirable as
the male power connector socket 1836 will be repeatedly exposed to
wear through repeated engagement and disengagement with the female
power connector plug 1799 of the power assembly 1734 with the oral
irrigator. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the female power
connector plug 1799 is attached to the power cord 1712 connected to
the inverter and mechanically and electrically couples with the
male power connector socket 1836 to provide an electrical
connection to allow the transfer of electrical power through the
power assembly 1734 to the oral irrigator 1700.
[0157] Vibrational Dampening
[0158] The embodiment shown in FIG. 18 may also feature an
alternate connection between the motor 1818 and the base 1702. The
motor 1818 may be connected to the base 1702 through a bracket
1897. To dampen vibrations transmitted between the motor 1818 and
the base 1702, an O-ring 1896 may be installed between the motor
and the bracket 1897. In addition to dampening vibrations, the
O-ring 1896 may also help shift the ambient resonant frequency of
the bracket away from an ambient resonant frequency of the oral
irrigator 1700 during operation to further decrease potential
vibrations transmitted between the motor 1818 and the base 1702 and
reduce the possibility of the system operating at its natural
frequency or a multiple thereof during use. While not shown, it is
also contemplated that the pump assembly 214 may be modified with
additional vibration reduction components. This may help decrease
vibrations and shift any resonant frequencies that may exist
between the pump assembly 214 and its connection to the base
1702.
[0159] Piston and Wet/Dry Compartment Seal
[0160] Another embodiment for a diaphragm seal 4800 for use in the
design of the irrigator base in FIG. 18 is shown in greater detail
in FIGS. 26 and 27. The diaphragm seal 4800 may be manufactured
using an overmold-type design in which a hard plastic frame 4802
defines a center aperture 4804 across which the bellows 4806
extends. Additionally, U-shaped channels 4808a, 4808b may be form
directly opposite each other in opposing faces of the frame 4802,
i.e., a dry face 4810a (facing the motor and electrical
compartments) and a wet face 4810b (facing the compartment with the
pump and valve components). A number of pass-through holes (not
visible) may be formed spaced apart from each other along the
lengths of the U-shaped channels 4808a, 4808 to extend between the
U-shaped channels 4808a, 4808. A pair of U-shaped bead seals 4812a,
4812b may be positioned within the U-shaped channels 4808a, 4808
and extend above a surface of each of the dry face 4810a and the
wet face 4810b, respectively. Additionally, a number of through
holes 4814 may be formed in the plastic frame 4802 spaced apart
surrounding the center aperture 4804 and the bellows 4806.
[0161] In these examples, the bellows 4806 and the bead seals
4812a, 4812b may be manufactured by overmolding a flexible rubber,
such as NBR or HNBR or other nitrile, on the hard plastic frame
4802. During the molding process, the injected rubber may flow
through the pass-through holes in the channels 4808a, 4808 to form
the bead seals 4812a, 4812b. The rubber ma further coat the frame
on the dry face 4810a of the frame 4802 in order to connect the
bellows 4806 to the bead seal 4812a. The rubber may further fill
the through holes 4814 to form a number of plugs 4816 that provide
additional structural support to hold the bellows 4806 in place as
it rolls back and forth under the action of the connecting rod
2036. The bead seals 4812a, 4812b may extend above the each of the
faces 4810a, 4810b to extend a distance between the top surface of
each that is slightly larger than the width of the C-channel in the
C-channel bracket 1801.
[0162] The embodiment of FIG. 18 may also feature an alternate
structure to secure the diaphragm seal 4800 within the base 1702.
The partition wall 1800 may feature a C-channel bracket 1801 to
hold the diaphragm seal 4800, as opposed to in the embodiment of
FIG. 6C, wherein the first and second sealing plates 488, 490 are
clamped together with fasteners, with the edges of the diaphragm
seal 480 being clamped therebetween. The overmold diaphragm seal
4800 may be installed into the base by pressing the bead seals
4812a, 4812b into the C-channel of the C-channel bracket 1801 to
seal off the slot formed between components. The center ring 4818
of the bellows 4806 will clamp and seal onto the connecting rod
maintaining a water-proof seal. The use of the integrated C-channel
bracket 1801 may help simplify installation of the diaphragm seal
4800. The use of overmold technique may reduce or eliminate the
need to clamp a rubber diaphragm (such as those shown in FIG. 6C)
between two plastic parts with fasteners. This may reduce the
number of assembly parts, decreasing manufacturing and assembly
costs.
[0163] The embodiment of FIG. 18 may also feature an alternate
structure for connecting the wall 200 of the base 102 to the upper
housing 180. The partition wall 1800 forms a portion of the dry
compartment 1804, which extends from the male power connector
socket 1836 to the pump assembly 1814 and motor 1818 mounting
areas. The diaphragm seal 480 forms the additional seal and
separation structure between the wet and dry compartments. The
partition wall 1800 may take on a different shape than the wall 200
of the prior embodiment, which formed a completely separate
compartment from the motor and pump in the prior embodiment. The
perimeter wall of the base 1702 and the partition wall 1800 may be
secured to the upper housing (not shown) with epoxy glue for
mechanical connection and water proofing to ensure the seal and
separation of the dry compartments from the wet compartment. Use of
such water-proof glue may provide a significant water proofing
benefit over merely sonically welding the housing components.
Further, the vibration reduction components described above may
impede the ability to create a secure sonic weld of the housing
components, thus making a water-proof adhesive a more attractive
connective option.
[0164] Mechanical Power Transmission Assembly
[0165] Another embodiment of a mechanical power transmission
assembly is shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. Similar to the chassis 220
of FIGS. 7A and 7B, a chassis 2200 supports a driven pulley 2250
which is mechanically coupled to a pinion pulley 2240 by a belt
2238. A securing bracket 2222 may help correctly position the
pulleys 2240, 2250 and connect the motor 1818 and the belt drive
system to the chassis 2200 by way of bosses, 2220a, 2220b, and
2220c. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22A-22B, the bracket 1897 of FIG.
18 may be eliminated, as the securing bracket 2222 acts as a main
motor bracket to secure the motor 1818 within the main unit. This
allows the motor 1818 to mostly "float" such that vibrational
resonance and noise may be reduced. To further reduce vibrational
resonance and noise, foam tape may be wrapped about the motor
1818.
[0166] A tension assembly 2200 may be used to increase the belt
tension of the installed belt 2238 about the pulleys 2240, 2250.
The tension assembly 2200 may feature a tension assembly bracket
2202 which couples the tension assembly 2200 to the chassis 2220
and is positioned adjacent to the belt 2238. The tension assembly
2200 may have an idler pulley 2201 and a tension member 2203. The
idler pulley 2201 may be positioned such that it is an inside
idler, and it contacts the inside of the belt 2238, or a backside
or outside idler, where it contacts the outside or backside of the
belt 2238. The idler 2201 of FIG. 22B is shown as a backside idler.
In some examples, the idler pulley 2201 may be made of bearings
with a pin acting as the shaft and may be connected to the tension
assembly bracket 2202. When coupled with the tension member 2203,
the idler pulley 2201 exerts a force on the backside of the belt
2238, as the tension member 2203 is forced to expand from its
normal resting spring state. This force varies as the belt 2238 is
rotated by the pinion pulley 2240. The force is smaller when the
pinion pulley 2240 is not rotating. The force is increased when the
pinion pulley 2240 begins to rotate, as the tension in the belt
2238 increases to transmit rotational power from the pinion pulley
2240 to the driven pulley 2250. The use of a spring, such as
tension member 2203, allows the system to adjust to correspond to
the belt tension generated from the rotational speed and load
transmitted through the belt 2238.
[0167] Most belt drive assemblies require either a tension assembly
or a method to adjust the center distance between the driver and
driven pulleys so that the appropriate belt installation tension
may be achieved. Having the ability to adjust the center distance
between pulleys requires that the location of at least one of the
pulleys is adjustable. This adjustability requirement may increase
manufacturing costs, as components may need to be made using
tighter manufacturing tolerances, and a larger footprint may be
necessary. The belt tension changes when the belt drive is operated
as opposed to when it is stationary, and it may vary as the load on
the motor changes. The ability to use a spring-loaded tension
assembly may be beneficial to help insure that the belt drive is
tensioned to the optimum tension given various loading scenarios,
particularly in an enclosed case with an inability to access the
pulley system to adjust the tension. A belt drive that uses fixed
center distances and does not use a tension assembly may result in
an improperly tensioned belt drive, which can result in excess
noise, poor performance, increased bearing loads on bearings used
with the pulleys and the associated driver and driven components,
and decreased belt life.
[0168] In some cases, the correct use of a tension assembly 2200
may help improve an acoustic attribute of the mechanical power
transmission assembly. A properly tensioned belt drive will likely
be quieter than an improperly tensioned belt drive. The tension
assembly 2200 increases the wrap angle of the belt 2238 about the
pinion pulley 2240, which may increase the overall efficiency of
the system, as more of the belt is engaged with the pinion pulley
2240 to then transmit power to the driven pulley 2250. In addition,
an increase in wrap angle may also increase the overall tension of
the belt 2238 when positioned on the pulleys 2240, 2250. The
increase of tension may help the belt properly seat against the
pulleys such that a more efficient power transmission is achieved.
In addition, a properly tensioned, and therefore seated, belt 2238
may decrease the overall noise of the belt drive, as the belt may
not slip (if a v-belt or round belt), or the belt teeth will not
jump or ratchet on the pulley teeth (if using a synchronous belt).
This arrangement may also help improve the overall life of the
belt, as slippage and ratcheting may cause unnecessary damage to
the belt and result in premature failure.
[0169] The tension assembly 2200 may also help decrease overall
manufacturing costs of the oral irrigator assembly, as the
dimensional tolerances on the pulleys 2240, 2250 may be increased
as the tension assembly 2200 can adjust for any changes in center
distance based on dimensional changes of the pulleys 2240, 2250. In
addition, the tolerances associated with the center distance
between the pulleys 2240, 2250 may be slightly relaxed, as the
tension assembly 2200 may account for small changes in distance
associated with manufacturing tolerances. The tension assembly may
also be used to account for the dimensional tolerances associated
with the overall belt length and tooth pitch. The problem of
potential belt stretch over the life of the belt drive is also
mitigated, as a spring loaded tension assembly, such as the tension
assembly 2200, may be able to account for an increase in belt
length due to stretching.
[0170] An alternate connecting rod 2036 is shown in FIG. 20. The
connecting rod 2036 includes a connecting end 2072 defining a
cylindrical ring having a plurality of tabs 2085 extending inward
from an interior surface of the connecting end 2072. The connecting
end 2072 is shaped and dimensioned to be received around the
bearing race 252 (see FIG. 7B) and thereby around the engagement
boss 2160 (see FIG. 21) to rotate within the cylindrical ring of
the connecting end 2072. An arm 2074 extends from the connecting
end 2072. The arm 2074 transitions to a terminal end 2078 having a
ball 2080. The arm 2074 of the connecting rod 2036 may be straight,
rather than featuring the angled bend 276 in the middle portion
thereof as in the first embodiment of the connecting rod 236. The
alternate spacing of the internal components within the base 1702
allows for the connecting rod 2036 to be straight, as opposed to
the connecting rod 236 of FIGS. 9A and 9B, which required the
angled bend 276 so that the reduced form factor of the oral
irrigator could be maintained. The straight arm 2074 of the
connecting rod 2036 still allows the connecting rod 2036 to pass
through the center of the diaphragm seal 4818 between wet and dry
compartments. The diaphragm seal 4818 is positioned between the two
sealing flanges 2082b and 2082a. The overall form factor of the
base 1702 is not increased with the connecting rod 2036 being
straight, such that the desired user experience of a reduced form
factor oral irrigator is still maintained.
[0171] An alternate embodiment may also feature a driven pulley
2150 as shown in FIG. 21. Similar to driven pulley 250 of FIGS.
8A-8B, the driven pulley 2150 may be relatively cylindrical with a
plurality of teeth 2170 or grip elements for enhancing frictional
engagement with the belt 238. The driven pulley 2150 includes an
engagement boss 2160 that extends from a first surface 2158. The
engagement boss 2160 may be formed as a cylindrical protrusion and
many include one or more ribs 2064 extending lengthwise on an outer
surface thereof. The bearing race 252 may seat around the
engagement boss 2160 and is held in place by the ribs 2064. A pin
aperture 2168 may be aligned with the center of the axis of the
driven pulley 2150 and the engagement boss 2160 may be offset
relative thereto to form an eccentric post. The engagement boss
2160 extends away from the first surface 2158 and, in some
embodiments, the pin structure 262 may be arranged within the
engagement boss 2160 to increase the length of the pin aperture
2168, extending through the height of the boss 2160. In some
embodiments, the pin structure 2162 may be longer than the height
of the boss 2160.
[0172] The driven pulley 2150 in this embodiment as shown in FIG.
21 may be a single molded pulley with teeth 2170 and integrated
staggered flanges 2199 formed on opposite sides of the ends of the
teeth 2170. In one embodiment, a staggered flange 2199 may be
formed so that a flange structure exists next to only some of the
teeth 2170 surrounding the driven pulley 2150. In some embodiments,
the staggered flanges 2199 on each side of the driven pulley 2150
are aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the staggered
flanges 2199 on each side of the driven pulley 2150 may be offset
from each other, as shown in FIG. 21. The staggered flanges 2199
may be used to help initially determine the alignment of the drive
assembly 216 during installation and also help prevent the belt 238
from tracking off the drive assembly 216 while the belt 238 is
rotating due to belt tracking forces, thereby preventing a
potential failure mode of the oral irrigator 1700. The molded
driven pulley 2150 with staggered flanges 2199 may improve the
overall oral irrigator 1700 by eliminating the need for a separate
flange. The elimination of the separate flange (as shown with
flange 248 and original driven pulley 250 in FIG. 7B) may decrease
the overall production cost of the driven pulley 2150 by
eliminating a component with a certain individual part cost and the
production time attributed to assembling the original driven pulley
250 and flange 248.
[0173] Pressure Control Slider
[0174] In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the rack 3800 and actuator
1140 may be manufactured as a single element, and may be integrated
to slide with respect to the base 1702 and the pump assembly 214 as
shown in greater detail in FIGS. 28-30. As in the prior embodiment,
the teeth 3802 of the rack 3800 interfaces with the teeth 3840 of
the gear 3340 connected to the pump assembly 214. In this
embodiment, a gear bracket 3360 is mounted to the pump assembly 214
and the gear 3340 is mounted thereon via a shaft extending
therethrough to the pump assembly 214. The teeth 3840 of the gear
3340 need extend entirely around the circumference of the gear
3340, but rather only along a bottom arc as the travel distance of
the rack 3800 need not interfaces with additional teeth or cause
additional rotation of the gear 3340. The gear bracket 3360 may be
formed as a vertical wall 3363 with a planar face and a horizontal
shelf 3362 extending normally from the planar face at a top edge of
the vertical wall 3363. The shelf 3362 may be formed with a step
3364. A first linear boss 3366 may be formed on a vertical face of
the step 3364 and lintel 3365 may extend outward from the vertical
face over the first linear boss 3366. A second linear boss 3368 may
be formed along the bottom edge of the vertical wall 3363 parallel
to the first linear boss 3366. The absence of teeth on the top edge
of the gear 3340 allows additional room for the extension of the
shelf 3362.
[0175] As noted above, the rack 3800 and actuator 1140 may be
formed as a single piece. The actuator 1140 may extend normally
from a planar guide wall 3810. The teeth 3802 of the rack 3800 may
be positioned adjacent to a bottom edge of the inner face of the
guide wall 3810 extending upward for engagement with the teeth of
the gear 3340 as shown in FIG. 30. A kick plate 3804 may extend
from a bottom edge of the bed from which the teeth 3802 extend. The
kick plate 3804 may be oriented parallel to the guide wall 3810 and
offset from the plane of the inner face by a portion of the width
of the teeth 3802.
[0176] When the actuator 1140 is assembled in the base 1702 and the
teeth 3802 of the rack 3800 mesh with the teeth 3840 of the gear
3340, a bottom edge 3806 of the kick plate 3804 seats upon a planar
recess 1704 in the base 1702 and travels along the planar recess
1704 as the actuator 1140 is moved laterally back and forth.
Similarly, the top edge of the guide wall 3810 seats against the
underside of the lintel 3365 of the step 3364. In this
configuration, possible vertical movement of the rack 3800 is
constrained. Additionally, the inner face of the guide wall 3810
seats against the first linear boss 3366 on the step 3364.
Similarly, the inner face of the kick plate 3804 seats against the
second linear boss at the bottom of the gear bracket 3360. The rack
3800 thereby glides along the first and second linear bosses 3366,
3368 as the actuator 1140 is moved back and forth This embodiment
may be more robust as fewer elements are assembled together and
move with respect to each other.
[0177] Hose Latch Assembly
[0178] An alternate hose latch assembly 2300 is shown in FIGS. 23A
and 23B. Instead of the leaf spring 430 and arms latch arms 436a,
436b of FIGS. 6C, and 10, the hose latch assembly 2300 utilizes a
left slider 2304 and a right slider 2306 which adjustably encase
the hose connector 2310 to fluidly connect the hose connector 2310
to the reservoir 104. The left slider 2304 has a post 2312
extending from a side of the left slider 2304 around which a bias
element 2316 may be positioned. The left slider 2304 may also have
a window 2324 which is a through-hole from a front surface to the
rear surface. The window 2324 may be generally rectangular shaped.
The left slider 2304 may also have a hose connector bracket 2330,
which may be configured to engage with a portion of the hose
connector 2310. In some examples, the hose connector bracket 2330
of the left slider 2304 may be hemispherical with a concave shape
curved away from the hose connector 2310.
[0179] The right slider 2306 may be similar in shape to the left
slider 2304, with a post 2314 extending from a side of the right
slider 2304 and a bias element 2318 positioned about the post 2314.
The right slider 2306 may also have a window 2325 which is a
through-hole from a front surface of the right slider 2306 to a
rear surface. The window 2325 may be generally rectangular shaped.
The right slider 2306 may also have a hose connector bracket 2332.
In some examples, the hose connector bracket 2332 of the right
slider 2306 is shaped similarly to and positioned symmetrically
opposite the hose connect bracket 2330 of the left slider 2304.
[0180] An eject bracket 2308 may have a front face 2340 and a rear
face 2342 opposite the front face 2340. As shown in FIG. 23B, the
eject bracket 2308 has an upper window 2326 positioned vertically
above a lower window 2328. The windows 2326, 2328 may be
rectangular shaped through-holes which extend from the front face
2340 to the rear face 2342.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 24, the eject button 2302 may feature a
front face 2410 opposite a rear face 2412, with a left engagement
post 2402 and a right engagement post 2404 extending from the rear
face 2412. In some examples, the left engagement post 2402 may be
positioned vertically above the right engagement post 2404. A user
engagement protrusion 2414 may extend from the front face 2410. In
some examples, the user engagement protrusion 2414 may be
cylindrical shaped with a user engagement surface 2416 on an end
opposite the front face 2410. The user engagement surface 2416 may
be concave and curved away from the front face 4210.
[0182] The left engagement post 2402 may be rectangular shaped with
an end of the post 2402 opposite the rear face 2412 being a sloped
engagement surface. The right engagement post 2404 may be similarly
shaped to the left engagement post 2402, but with a sloped
engagement surface 2408 that is angled opposite the sloped
engagement surface 2406 of the left engagement post 2402.
[0183] When the hose latch assembly 2300 assembled, the left slider
2304 and the right slider 2306 are positioned adjacent each other,
with the hose connector bracket 2332 of the right slider 2306
adjacent to and contacting the hose connector bracket 2330 of the
left slider 2304, forming a circular shape with a diameter smaller
than a largest diameter of the external flange 470 (see FIG. 10) of
the hose connector 2310. The left engagement post 2402 of the eject
button 2302 extends through the left slider window 2324 of the left
slider 2304. The right engagement post 2404 of the eject button of
the eject button 2303 extends through the right slider window 2325
of the eject button. The rear face 2412 of the eject button 2412
may be adjacent and contact the bias element 2320 that is adjacent
the eject bracket 2308. The eject bracket 2303 may be positioned
adjacent the left slider 2304 and on a side opposite of the eject
button 2302. The left engagement post 2404 of the eject button 2302
may be aligned with the upper window 2326 of the eject bracket
2308. The right engagement post 2404 of the eject button 2302 may
be aligned with the lower window 2328 of the eject bracket
2308.
[0184] When the hose latch assembly 2300 is use, a user may engage
the user engagement surface 2416 of the eject button 2303 to
release or install the hose connector 2310. A user may contact the
user engagement surface 2416 of the eject button 2308 to compress
the bias element 2320 positioned between the eject button 2302 and
the front face 2340 of the eject bracket 2308. The compression of
the bias element 2320 allows the eject button 2302 to move toward
the eject bracket 2308. This movement causes the sloped engagement
surface 2406 of the left engagement post 2402 of the eject button
2302 to contact an edge of the left slider window 2324 of the left
slider 2304, forcing the left slider 2304 to compress the bias
element 2316. As the button 2302 is further compressed, the left
slider 2304 further compresses the bias element 2316, and the left
slider 2304 is shifted left with respect to the eject button 2308.
This causes the hose connector bracket 2330 to shift to the left as
well and away from the hose connector 2310. The left engagement
post 2404 of the eject button 2302 may then extend into the upper
window 2326 of the eject bracket 2308.
[0185] The movement of the eject button 2302 causes a similar
movement in the right slider 2306 in an opposite direction, to the
right, as the left slider 2304 is forced to move left. As the eject
button 2302 is depressed toward eject bracket 2308, the sloped
engagement surface 2408 of the right engagement post 2404 contacts
an edge of the right slider window 2325 of the right slider 2306.
This contact forces the right slider 2306 to compress the bias
element 2318, and the right slider 2306 is shifted away from the
left slider 2304. As the eject button 2302 is further depressed,
the right engagement post 2404 continues to contact the right
slider window 2325 and force the right slider 2306 away from the
left slider 2304. As the right slider 2304 is moved to the right,
the hose connector bracket 2332 of the right slider moves away from
the hose connector 2310. Eventually, the spacing between the hose
connector bracket 2330 of the left slider 2304 and the hose
connector bracket 2332 of the right slider 2306 is large enough so
that the flange 470 of the hose connector 2310 may be released or
installed from the hose latch assembly 2300.
[0186] When a user is not contacting the eject button 2302, the
hose latch assembly 2300 is biased so that the left slider 2304 and
the right slider 2306 are biased to contact each other. This allows
for an installed hose connector 2310 to remain fluidly connected to
the reservoir 104 without the user engaging the eject button 2302.
In addition, the use of the semi-circular shape of the hose
connector brackets 2330. 2332 block a user's view into the oral
irrigator assembly when the hose is not connected, therefore
potentially enhance as aesthetic aspect of the unit.
Conclusion
[0187] The foregoing description has broad application. For
example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on a portable,
reduced form factor irrigator, it should be appreciated that the
concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to other irrigating
devices, such as large countertop units or handheld units.
Accordingly, the discussion of any example is meant only to be
exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the
disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.
[0188] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper,
lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front,
back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial,
axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for
identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the
present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as
to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection
references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to
be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a
collection of elements and relative movement between elements
unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not
necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in
fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for
purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order,
and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may
vary.
[0189] The above specification, examples, and data provide a
complete description of the structure and use of exemplary
embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although
various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described
above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to
one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could
make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other
embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of
particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or
structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of
the invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *